The best walks and hikes in Franny Reese State Park
4.6
(23)
371
hikers
31
hikes
Hikes in Franny Reese State Park explore a 251-acre preserve located on a ridgeline in Ulster County. The park's terrain consists of woodland trails that follow historic carriage roads, with some elevation changes leading to viewpoints over the Hudson River. The area also features the ruins of a 19th-century estate.
Best hiking trails in Franny Reese State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Mid-Hudson Bridge & Walkway Over the Hudson loop — Highland, New York, a 3.9 mile (6.3 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This route provides views of both the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Walkway Over the Hudson.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Blue Trail & White Trail loop — Franny Reese State Park, an easy 3.5 mile (5.7 km) path. This Franny Reese State Park loop trail combines two of the park's main color-coded routes through the woods.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Hiking loop from Highland, a 2.7 mile (4.3 km) trail leading through the park's woodlands, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking in Franny Reese State Park is defined by woodland paths, ridgeline trails, and views of the Hudson River. The network of historic carriage roads offers routes suitable for different ability levels.
- The routes in Franny Reese State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 250 hikers have used komoot to explore Franny Reese State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.5
(2)
23
hikers
6.29km
01:44
100m
100m
The Mid-Hudson Bridge & Walkway Over the Hudson loop offers a distinctive hiking experience, blending stunning vistas with significant historical landmarks. This easy 3.9-mile (6.3 km) route, with 329 feet (100 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete. You'll traverse the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, the Walkway Over the Hudson, which provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the river and surrounding mountains, including the Catskills to the north. The trail also crosses the historic Mid-Hudson Bridge, offering a different perspective of the river and its banks. Expect mostly paved surfaces, with some gentle hills and a few moderate climbs.
Given its popularity, especially the Walkway Over the Hudson, you should plan to arrive early on pleasant weekends and holidays to secure parking. The Walkway is ADA-compliant, featuring a seasonal glass-enclosed elevator for enhanced accessibility. While much of the loop is on off-road paths, some sections are on public roads with motor traffic, so stay aware of your surroundings. This route is ideal for families and those seeking an accessible, scenic outing.
This loop connects two historically important bridges, with the Walkway Over the Hudson originally a railroad bridge from 1888, repurposed in 2009. The Mid-Hudson Bridge, inaugurated in 1930, was once the sixth-longest suspension bridge worldwide. Affectionately known as "The Great Connector," the Walkway bridges Ulster and Dutchess Counties, serving as a crucial link within an expanding network of rail trails. It's a great way to experience the Hudson Valley's natural beauty and engineering marvels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
5.70km
01:40
160m
160m
Hike the easy 3.5-mile White, Yellow, and Blue Trail Loop in Franny Reese State Park, featuring scenic viewpoints of the Hudson River.
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17
hikers
1.99km
00:34
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
13
hikers
4.30km
01:13
100m
100m
The Hiking loop from Franny Reese State Park offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through peaceful woodland paths that occasionally open up to spectacular vistas. You'll traverse varied terrain, from wide historic carriage roads to more rooty and rocky sections, all while enjoying the serene atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the impressive ruins of the Cedar Glen estate, which add a touch of historical intrigue to your journey.
This easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) loop, with a modest 321 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for families and is dog-friendly, making it an accessible choice for many. Parking is available at the trailhead, and no permits or fees are required, simplifying your planning for this popular route.
One of the standout features of this trail is the incredible views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the iconic Walkway Over the Hudson. These notable landmarks and viewpoints are strategically placed along the route, offering prime photo opportunities. The park's connection to environmental activist Frances "Franny" Reese also adds a layer of local significance, highlighting its role in preserving the Hudson Valley's natural beauty.
14
hikers
4.81km
01:24
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Franny Reese State Park
Tips from the Community
Pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Hudson. Very long bridge with great views.
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The Walkway Over the Hudson, also known as the Poughkeepsie Bridge, is a steel cantilever bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland. Originally it was built as a railroad bridge in 1889, then closed in 1974 due to fire damage and later reopened as a pedestrian walkway in 2009. It connects the Hudson Valley Rail Trail with the Dutchess Rail Trail and is part of the Empire State Trail. Stretching 6,768 feet, it was the world’s longest pedestrian footbridge until 2016. The bridge is free to access and welcomes cyclists as well as foot traffic.
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At 251 acres, Franny Reese State Park offers scenic views of the Hudson River and the Hudson River bridges from its rocky bluffs. A lot of the trails within the preserve are rooty, rocky, and locked in the trees, but the views from the high points make all the work worthwhile.
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At 251 acres, Franny Reese State Park offers scenic views of the Hudson River and the Hudson River bridges from its rocky bluffs. A lot of the trails within the preserve are rooty, rocky, and locked in the trees, but the views from the high points make all the work worthwhile.
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The Hudson Valley Rail Trail offers access to the Walkway Over the Hudson, which is pretty much just a pedestrian-only bridge open to runners, walkers, and cyclists. You get pretty great views of the river from the crossing, and there are nice facilities at the trailheads on both sides of the bridge.
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The Hudson Valley Rail Trail offers access to the Walkway Over the Hudson, which is pretty much just a pedestrian-only bridge open to runners, walkers, and cyclists. You get pretty great views of the river from the crossing, and there are nice facilities at the trailheads on both sides of the bridge.
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Johnson Iorio Memorial Park plays host to a couple picnic tables, a Vietnam War memorial, and awesome views out over the Hudson River. There is easy access to the Mid-Hudson Bridge from here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Franny Reese State Park?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Franny Reese State Park. They are welcome on the trails but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Are the hiking trails suitable for families with children?
Many trails in the park are well-suited for families. They often follow wide, historic carriage roads with gentle slopes. The Hiking loop from Highland is a good example of an easier walk that is manageable for most ages.
What are the trail conditions like? Are they difficult?
The park's trails are generally considered easy to moderate. Most routes follow old carriage roads, offering a relatively smooth and wide path. While there are some elevation changes and steeper sections with steps, there are no technically difficult hikes. The majority of routes are rated as easy.
Is there parking available at the park?
Yes, there is a designated parking area for visitors at the main entrance to Franny Reese State Park on Macks Lane in Highland, NY.
How can I get to the park using public transport?
You can reach the park from the Poughkeepsie Train Station (served by Metro-North and Amtrak). From the station, it's possible to walk across the Walkway Over the Hudson, which connects to trails leading into Franny Reese State Park.
Are there any good circular walks?
The park is ideal for loop hikes. Many trails are interconnected, allowing for various circular routes. A great option that connects to the famous bridge is the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Highland, which provides a varied experience.
What are the historic ruins I can see in the park?
The ruins you'll find are the remnants of a 19th-century estate that once belonged to Charles H. Roberts. You can see features like stone walls, tall brick chimneys, and a grand staircase, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's past.
Which trail offers the best views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge?
Several trails offer scenic overlooks. For fantastic views that include both the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Walkway Over the Hudson, consider the Mid-Hudson Bridge & Walkway Over the Hudson loop. The park's main scenic overlook, opened in 2009, is a highlight for photographers.
How long are the hikes in Franny Reese State Park?
Hikes vary in length, but most are between 2.5 and 4 miles (4-6.5 km) and typically take 1 to 2 hours to complete. The Hiking loop from Franny Reese State Park is one of the longer options if you're looking for a bit more distance.
Can I go mountain biking or cross-country skiing in the park?
Yes, the park's trails are multi-use. The historic carriage roads are suitable for mountain biking. In the winter, these same trails become a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Franny Reese State Park?
The park is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views of the Hudson River, the well-maintained woodland trails, and the unique historical ruins scattered throughout the park.
Where can I find a trail map for the park?
Trail maps are typically posted at the main trailhead kiosk. For planning your hike in advance, you can explore all the routes on komoot, which show the interconnected White, Blue, and Yellow trails. The Blue Trail & White Trail loop is a popular combination that covers a good portion of the park.
Most popular routes in Franny Reese State Park
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